Medieval Islamic Cities in the Iberian Peninsula: New Archaeological Evidence from Madīnat Qurṭuba’s Western Suburbs

Abstract

Qurṭuba (Cordoba), known today as “Plan Parcial O-7 (PP O-7)”, to the scientific community. This urban sector, of about 36 hectares, has been almost entirely excavated during the last 20 years. The archaeological information recovered reveals that, even though its densification occurred during the Andalusi Umayyad Caliphate (10 th century), its first occupation dates back to the Emirate (8th and 9th centuries). The extensive documentation of this urban continuity is leading to a better understanding of the genesis and transformation processes of the urban fabric through time. In addition, the high quality and density of the remains recovered here – among which baths, a mosque, storage places, commer- cial structures and a wide range of domestic sectors – contribute to a more accurate knowledge of the Islamic city and its functioning. Despite its importance, the information related to these archaeological remains has been rarely incorporated into the most recent historical discourses and research about the Islamic city. This is frequently due to the lack of publications associated with the archaeological interventions carried out here. For this reason, we consider it essential to disseminate this information and make it more accessible.